Restaurants, a boutique, outside venues and more: Check out what’s happening in Perry

Perry is thriving with new economic activity.

New restaurants, along with outdoor venues, have opened or are in the works for the city’s walk-able downtown.

Also, several franchise restaurants, including one that boasts a brewery, are nearing completion, beginning construction or in the planning stages for other areas of Perry.

Additionally, just last week, giant snack company Jack Link’s broke ground on a manufacturing facility in Perry that’s expected to create 800 new jobs and represents a $450 million investment.

Here’s a roundup what’s new and what’s in store for Perry:

New

The Courtyard on Carroll — Interior designer James Farmer has created a new outdoor event space next to his offices at 936 Carroll St. that’s designed for intimate gatherings from private dinners to bridal showers.

Weatherly Grey Boutique — Anna and Drew Ellis have opened this fashionable women’s clothing store at 811 Carroll St. in downtown Perry that offers a wide selection of clothing, jewelry, shoes, handbags, other accessories and gift items.

Patio 901 — Owners Eric Schultz and Charlie Shimp rebranded their popular family friendly outdoor venue at 901 Carroll St. to reflect its own identity and its next level of services. They’ve added a bar, with plans to offer cocktails and table service. Their premier patio at the corner of Carroll and Ball streets offers small plates, bottled and draft beers and live music on Friday and Saturday nights.

Oliver Perry’s — This locally owned fine dining restaurant and full service bar at 905 Carroll St. in downtown Perry offers chef prepared meals in a comfortable and eloquent setting. Reservations recommended.

Chick-fil-A — A new Chick-fil-A at 1363 Sam Nunn Blvd with all the bells and whistles is doing a bang up business after replacing its original nearly 30-year-od store at 1600 Sam Nunn Blvd.

Newly announced

Jack Link’s — This global leader in the meat snack industry is building their largest manufacturing facility on 120 acres at 720 Perry Parkway in Perry. The family-owned business plans to immediately hire a plant manager, human resources manager, food safety quality director, plant controller and plant engineer.

Other career opportunities are expected to include positions in management production and management supervision, quality, maintenance, engineering and general office support. Their beef jerky can be purchased in stores like Walmart, Sam’s Club, Dollar General, Kroger and Publix.

Huey Magoo’s — Danny and Trinette Rosales, who own multiple Jersey Mike’s locations, have purchased the franchise rights for Huey Magoo’s in Houston County. Their first restaurant is under construction at 711 Lake Joy Road in Warner Robins, with the site purchased for a Perry location off Perry Parkway next to the McDonald’s in front of the Publix.

Also in the works

Cook Out — This burger restaurant chain also known for its multiple shake options is nearing the end of construction of its Perry location on the east side of Sam Nunn Boulevard at the site of a former Taco Bell.

Marriott — A TownePlace Suites by Marriott and a Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott with a shared lobby and shared amenities is expected to be constructed on the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter next to the Miller Murphy Howard Building. The dual-property project is currently in the site and architectural design phase, said Ashley Hardin, Perry’s economic development director.

Dunkin’ & Jersey Mike’s Subs — A new plaza, which will house both the doughnut and subway shops, is nearing completion off Sam Nunn Boulevard just west of Interstate 75 next to Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen.

Amici Italian Cafe & Brewery — Known for its signature pizza and wings, this restaurant is expected to be built near Perry Parkway and Washington Place. While most locations have bars, the Perry location is expected to be among a few that also have a brewery. The local franchisees are working on their site plan.

The Commodore Building — Construction is complete on this two-story building at 904 Commerce St. that offers an ideal space for a first-floor restaurant and three short-term lofts in downtown Perry. The lofts are expected to be ready soon.

‘Orleans on Carroll St. — Renovation continues at 807 Carroll St. to bring a new restaurant to life that’s billed to bring a taste of the Big Easy to downtown Perry.

Veterans Affairs Clinic — A $14 million VA clinic is planned for the Eastgate Shopping Center at 1309 Main St. in Perry. The VA is expected to lease the property from developers who are expected to first gut and renovate the building. The development will mean a Family Dollar will have to relocate from the shopping center that is mostly vacant, according to Hardin.

Zaxby’s — Known for its chicken wings, chicken fingers, sandwiches, salads and fried mushrooms and other sides, this restaurant is now under construction off Perry Parkway near Skweeky Clean Car Wash and a Wendy’s restaurant. It will be the second location of a Zaxby’s in Perry.

A family-owned pizzeria — Restaurateurs Eric Schultz and Matthew Howard are teaming up to bring an old-school, dine-in pizzeria to 742 Main St. Schultz is the owner of Schultze’s Old Fashioned Soda Shop and co-owner with Charlie Shimp of Patio 901, both in downtown Perry. Howard owns Stoner’s Pizza Joint in Warner Robins. The demolition permit for the interior renovation has been issued.

Multi-family development — A mixed development of duplexes and multi-family apartments is planned for 22 acres off Ga. 127. The development is expected to include 200 garden-style units, 44 duplexes, 60 one bed and one bath apartments, 72 two bed and two bath apartments and 24 three bed and two bath apartments.

This story was originally published April 30, 2022 at 7:00 AM.